Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 1/16/09

Posted on: January 14th, 2009

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‘Bet ‘ya can’t make me!’ – The Impact Of External Control (Part II)

Posted on: January 14th, 2009

In Part I, a distinction was made between two relationship methodologies, both of which are discussed in Dr. William Glasser's book, Choice Theory: A New Psychology of Personal Freedom. Glasser compares the use of External Control Psychology (i.e., manipulate, punish, criticize, blame, nag, and even reward) to Choice Theory, an empowering model based on an internal system of values, upgrading one's character traits and allowing natural consequences to "police" behaviors.

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 1/09/09

Posted on: January 7th, 2009

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The ‘P’ in PTA: How Parents Can Make The Grade At The PTA Meeting

Posted on: January 7th, 2009

It's PTA time again. That means lots of studying for kids, test grading for teachers, and standing in line for parents. It also means lots of opportunities, as the adults in a child's life get together on his or her behalf. There's much more than sore feet on the line at the three-minute conference. PTA can be a catalyst for tremendous growth, if parents and teachers work together.

‘Bet ‘ya can’t make me!’ – The Impact Of External Control (Part I)

Posted on: January 7th, 2009

Thinking back to my childhood years, I recall a "dare" expression one child would bark to another: "Make me; bet'ya can't make me!" I didn't think much about the term back then, other than my associating it with bullying. Today, though, I view it on a more profound level, especially in regard to the parent populace.

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 1/02/09

Posted on: December 31st, 2008

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Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 12/26/08

Posted on: December 24th, 2008

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IQ vs. EIQ: Why Being Smart Isn’t Enough

Posted on: December 24th, 2008

Chaim Schwartz* is the recognized genius of the class. He gets 100% on every test, understands the most difficult Gemaras and makes complicated math computations in his head in seconds. But for all his genius he can't seem to make a single friend.

Please Educate Frum Boys Not To Smoke!

Posted on: December 24th, 2008

I often see my neighbor driving by, puffing on a cigarette, with the car windows closed and all seven stony-faced children and wife inhaling the poisonous air. His young wife has undergone open-heart surgery twice and two children have asthma. When I asked him once how he could endanger their lives, he blithely answered, "I put on the air conditioner, so the smoke doesn't affect them.

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 12/19/08

Posted on: December 17th, 2008

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Man Serving Hashem … The Center Of Creation

Posted on: December 17th, 2008

The brothers of Yosef referred to him as the "The Dreamer" (Bereishis 37:19). And, while the brothers seemed to have used the title in a disparaging manner, Yosef's life was, in fact, inextricably tied to dreams.

Parental Paradox

Posted on: December 11th, 2008

One of the reasons that parenting is so difficult is because parents are caught in a paradoxical situation. What every child wants most is to be loved as he is. However, the parent (horeh) is also a teacher (moreh), which comes from the word hora'ah - instruction. A teacher's job is to civilize the child, instill values, shape attitudes and correct negative behavior. We can't let our children go out into the world as pampered slobs or short-tempered bullies. We want them to be hard working, reliable, thrifty, considerate, patient and organized.

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 12/12/08

Posted on: December 10th, 2008

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Leadership

Posted on: December 10th, 2008

As Yaakov makes his way back to the land of Canaan, several events - spanning the full range of emotions - transpire in rapid succession.

Why I Write About Abuse

Posted on: December 10th, 2008

Four years ago, when I began writing about the topic of child molestation, our community had not yet been slammed by the high-profile abuse cases that drew the attention of the local and national media.

Hey, The Brakes Don’t Work!

Posted on: December 10th, 2008

Imagine a child on a bicycle speeding downhill. The world is whizzing by. The road takes a sudden curve. The wind whips his face and his eyes blur with tears. Suddenly, he spots a ditch up ahead. He tries to brake − but the brakes don't work! As the bike's momentum increases, it is all he can do to keep from flying off. Obstacles in his path cry out for his attention. Everything seems out of control. What chance does he have to avert the tractor-trailer heading right toward him?

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 12/05/08

Posted on: December 3rd, 2008

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Miscommunications: I Can See Clearly Now

Posted on: December 3rd, 2008

Sometimes our sight is blurred by the magnitude of our surroundings. As the old saying goes, "you can't see the forest for the trees." Nevertheless, this is very true. Sometimes we don't see the obvious because of other distractions. In our tefillah, we ask G-d to "enlighten our eyes". We often miss the treasures that Hashem has given us; we take them for granted.

Part 2 – Pleasure vs. Happiness in Marriage

Posted on: November 28th, 2008

If you would like to know if your marriage is relationship centered or not, the way to find out is to ask yourself about your core values. For example, what is the most important principle of your marriage? Is it your desire for money or pleasure? Do you dream about being comfortable, being honored by your spouse and having a lot of fun?

Chronicles Of Crises In Our Communities – 11/28/08

Posted on: November 26th, 2008

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